Finding the perfect spot for a musical instrument
Grand piano need not be main focal point of your living room
Do you have any advice on decorating around musical instruments? I have a number of friends who enjoy playing larger instruments such as the cello and the harp, and I play the piano. Recently, I acquired my aunt’s grand piano. However, my upright had been conveniently tucked into the study, while the grand will be displayed in the living room. We have the space but I don’t know how to incorporate this piece into the room. My friends have the same problem.
Congratulations on your acquisition. A grand piano is a stunning piece of furniture that will require some consideration. Few design elements come with a list of “conditions” before they are incorporated into a design space, but musical instruments warrant this additional attention. First, you need to talk with an expert regarding the proper care of the instrument. As a musician, you will appreciate that these are sensitive items that require temperature and humidity control. Although it may be inspiring to play in front of an open view, windows may invite heat and ultraviolet rays, both of which may adversely affect the instrument over time.
Another error is to assume the instrument has to be the room’s main focal point. This is not necessarily so.
Living and dining rooms tend to have focal points in the form of fireplaces, feature walls or windows with a view. An instrument can highlight a window feature, but ensure that the light exposure is not too harsh and that the window treatments provide protection from heat. It is perfectly all right to allow features like a fireplace to remain the room’s main focus, while the instrument is a secondary feature.
Your seating area does not need to be orientated toward the instrument, either — this is your home, not a concert hall. Consider placing your furniture around the fireplace and place the piano to the side, behind the seating area. This is a comfortable arrangement when entertaining because the music can be played while guests continue to converse.
Another option is to create a separate music nook within the room. The instruments should be accessible, but the nook can be treated as a special space that adds an intriguing accent to the room. Large rooms can successfully integrate separate functions such as a conversation area, a music area and a reading space, as long as they are not trying to compete. To guard against that, maintain a common design theme.
Every year I hear about what the “new black” is in the colour world. What does that mean?
In the traditional school of interior design, black was considered a staple. It grounded a design space by adding visual weight and provided balance through the concept of contrast. Black was to design as salt is to cooking. You don’t need a lot to make an impact.
With technological advances in fabrics and colours, interior designers now have a large selection of elements to choose from. Each year, the colour gurus check the world’s pulse and develop colour trends that are introduced as the “must-haves of the season.”
In recent years, we have heard the hottest of these colours referred to as “the new black.” This means that a new trend is highlighting a particular colour or group of colours.
Adding the suggested trend to your decor is expected to produce a result as similar to what the original touch of black did. Properly applied, the “new black” will solidify your design, anchor the space and provide a seamless balance, all while creating a fresh wow factor.
This year’s hot colours vying to dethrone black include emerald green, tangerine orange and aubergine (dark purple). This is not to say that everyone needs to change their designs and start incorporating these colours into their rooms. It simply means that there will be new interior-design elements dedicated to these colours, should you be interested in a fresh look. It should also be noted that just like the little black dress, black is always in style, regardless of the trends. The key is to keep your designs grounded with a touch of colour that provides weight and balance.